I have a WG 5296 with the baton marker dial. I love mine. It's a design classic right up there with the Cartier Tank, Rolex Sub, Omega Moonwatch. Nothing entry level about it. The Calatrava should get more attention then it does.

A Patek is a Patek regardless of the complications and the Calatrava represents a significant design within Patek's history.

The complications are a more recent phenomena, the past 30 years or so, and now with owners having multiple watches, the inclination is to move from a basic piece to something which offers still yet more than simple time.

When I see an individual with a Calatrava, I get the sense of someone who appreciates the elegance and simplicity the Calatrava represents but in a very quiet distinguished manner.

A Calatrava is nothing to sneeze at by any stretch of the imagination.

Although you'd never know it from all the Nautilus and Aquanaut discussion, the Calatrava is the essential Patek IMO. Not trendy, but truly "timeless".

Many to choose from - manual, automatic, date, sub seconds, central seconds, etc. Simple perhaps, but rich in history and tradition.

The purest of the Calatrava line however suffers a fatal flaw, and perhaps in some way explains its perceived loss of luster. Many will say its size is not in keeping with current standards, as most remain modest at around 37mm. I would disagree, and believe that for a formal watch - which is the essence of the Calatrava- the size is perfect. Its Achilles heel is inside. The manual wind Calatrava continues to use a cal 215 movement, designed for a 32-33mm watch. Adapted to to a 37mm case, the result is predictable and the reason why I would never consider any of the current hand wound Calatravas.

Another issue may be the price of these "simple" watches is often well in excess of their material or production cost, but such is the case with Veblen economics.

To answer the original posted question - for all its flaws, the Calatrava remains a timeless classic.

Starting well over five figures, and quality matching even higher end models. Also, I think it is the ultimate classic timeless design. Probably less discuss because it is so timeless and classic, not too much else to say! I love my 5296G sector dial Calatrava, which is a bit out of the ordinary for the model.

Time may change me, but I can't trace time... @watchwineman on Instagram

A "poor man's" Patek Philippe is a non sequitur. But I understand where you are coming from as the Calatrava line doesn't get as much attention in watch forums. I am fortunate to own a 3520J. I love the simple beauty of the Calatrava line. Your Calatrava is exceptional, harkening back to the original cal.96. Enjoy every minute you wear it.

The Calatrava is a classic timeless dress watch by which all other dress watches are compared to. It's just that people don't dress up anymore and casual attire is more popular resulting in the popularity of "sports" watches. Patek has made chronos and perpetual calendars since pre-WWII and they certainly have a long pedigree. However the simplicity of the dial makes the Calatrava a classic dress watch!